Ford Transit Custom review

Ford Pro is giving its line-up a major overhaul at the moment. We’ve just welcomed the new Transit Courier, there’s a new Ranger and a new Transit Connect is on the way.

The arrival of the all-new Transit Custom is arguably its most important launch, however.

Quite simply, the Transit Custom is the UK’s favourite van. The last version was consistently the UK’s bestselling commercial vehicle and, even in its run-out year, it outsold its closest rival by two to one.

For the second generation, the Transit Custom has been completely redesigned. It sits on a new platform, integrates the most up-to-date technology and comes with a selection of electrified powertrain options.

The arrival of the Transit Custom isn’t just important for Ford Pro, either. As a result of Ford and Volkswagen’s partnership, the new VW Transporter will also be based on the Transit Custom’s platform.

Visually, the new van is much more imposing. It has more road presence thanks to its broader front-end with a larger grille and more distinctive headlights.

Once you step inside, the Transit Custom is even more impressive. There’s a giant 13-inch central touchscreen that incorporates the infotainment and climate controls. The system provides smartphone integration, via Apple Carplay and Android Auto, but also can integrate with third party systems so drivers won’t need separate tablets or handheld devices.

Advanced 5G connectivity provides access to the full suite of Ford Pro services. These include Ford Pro Telematics, Ford Liive and the Ford PassPro App.

The standard specification includes an array of safety and assistance systems, including rear parking sensors and a heated windscreen. Air conditioning is standard on all versions except the base Leader trim.

Above Leader, Ford offers Trend and Limited as part of the core line-up. There’s also a Sport version and a Trail model.

Plenty of customisation options are available, allowing businesses to tailor the vehicle to their specific requirements. Some of the highlights include a digital rear view mirror with integrated front and rear dashcams and Cab as Office function, which includes a tiltable steering wheel to create a mobile office.

Ford has decided to stagger the launch of the Transit Custom, so only diesel models are available initially. These EcoBlue units are carried over from the old van, although Ford has made improvements and claims that fuel efficiency is up to 6% better than before.

Power outputs of 110PS, 136PS, 150PS and 170PS are offered, in conjunction with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The EcoBlue units are strong performers, with even the entry-level shifting the van with ease. The engines are refined, too, and can return around 40mpg.

Once of the more surprising elements of the Transit Custom is how good it is to drive. The previous version already set a benchmark, but Ford has managed to make the new model even better.

It’s smooth, quiet and surprisingly agile. The steering is much quicker than before, giving car-like responses. A new suspension system, underneath, helps minimise body roll. Combined with the slick-shifting manual gearbox and generous seat adjustability, the new Transit Custom is as much a driver’s van as it is a competent business tool.

Joining the diesel engines is a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, shared with Ford’s Kuga SUV. It uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine, which is much larger than the three-cylinder Ecoboost unit used in the old Transit Custom PHEV. As a result, we’d expect much better real-world efficiency as the engine won’t have to be worked as hard when the battery is flat.

The engine is paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 230PS. Zero-emission driving is possible thanks to an 11.8kWh battery, which is said to give a range of around 35 miles from a full charge.

For the first time, there will also be an electric E-Transit Custom. It will have a range of up to 236 miles, courtesy of a 74kWh battery pack. Ford says the range is more than four times the average one-tonne van driver’s daily mileage.

Two power outputs will be offered: 135PS or 217PS. Both versions have 415Nm of torque and a towing capacity of up to 2,000Kg.

DC fast charging of 125kW allows the battery to be charged from 15-80% in 41 minutes.

The Transit Custom panel van is available in four sizes, with two heights and two lengths available.

The smallest version (L1H1) has a loadspace of 5.8 cubic metres and a load length of 2.6 metres. Extending the length (L2H1) gives 7.7 cubic meters and 3.0 metres. Both these models have an overall height of less than 2.0 metres, which means they should have no problems accessing car parks or other places with height restrictions.

Taller variants are available in the same lengths. The L1H2 has a loadspace of 6.8 cubic metres, while the L2H2 has 9.0 cubic metres of space.

Payloads vary across the line-up and are dependent on powertrain. The most capable model manages 1,407Kg, while the bulk of the range can carry around 1,000Kg.